Ariadne Enjoying Nature
Ariadne (5)
The Reaping
I hop around on my tippy toes, trying to get a good view of the whole place.
”Ugh, Fara, where are you?” I mutter under my breath.
I flow past people, twisting and bending my body to squeeze through the crowd.
My purple lace dress flows swiftly behind me like a shadow.
And then I spot Fara, she’s sitting in the front row of seats with that boy from the Market.
Or so she has told me.
I don’t get out a lot, actually, never.
My parents don’t think it’s a good idea for people to see me. When I question them, they just leave me in my room longer.
So I’ve made up excuses after excuses in my life. I’m adopted, and my parents are ashamed. I’m too beautiful, so people will envy me if they see me.
Or the one I always try to push away; I’m a freak and my family is ashamed.
I tut down the rows of crowded people and past the girl with body guards.
Body Guards?
I put a foot back, trying to get a view of the girl again, but am pushed out of the way by a lady in a red dress. “Rude, much” I shoot her a glare.
She just pushes past me and heads to the front of the theater, not even glancing at me.
I remember that Fara was saving me a seat, so I continue my speed walk to the first floor level.
As I just about reach her (more like them), she turns around and blushes, seeing me approach.
She clears her throat loudly, “Uhm, Kevin, I think you should go now. I was, uh, kinda saving that seat for my sister. Kevin, meet Ariadne.”
Kevin turns around and looks at me, his eyes scanning my body.
Such behavior is astonishing to me, for I’m not used to it, so I confront him.
“Excuse me! You shall not look at me like I’m something that has no pride. Fara, what are you doing with a boy like this? Mum would be ashamed!”
Fara blushes deeply, turning her cheeks as red as a ripe tomato.
She turns to Kevin, embarrassed. “Sorry, Kevin. My sister isn’t really out a lot. She’s kept inside.”
He nods, like it’s totally understandable.
I open my mouth to make a quick remark at him, but just then the lady wearing the red dress walks up onto the stage and speaks into the microphone.
“Hello, everyone. Please find your seats and sit down, the Reaping introduction is about to start.”
I fuss about, moving Kevin into another chair and taking his spot. My heart is pounding with excitement, and I feel like dancing.
“This is our 75th Reaping, and the judges will choose a man and woman to have the job of representing The Games.
My heart practically leaps out of my chest, my stomach fluttering.
This is what I want. I want excitement. I want adventure. I want to stop hiding from the world, let everyone see me, and know who I am.
But most of all, and most dangerous of all, I want to be in the Games.
